Jaffa Preschool Shut Down Hours Before School Year Amid Threats

A long-standing preschool in Jaffa, Tel Aviv-Yafo, "Sulamot Garden," was unexpectedly closed just 12 hours before the start of the academic year due to threats allegedly made by a neighbor. The property owner decided to lock the premises, preventing the kindergarten from operating, citing "threats and pressure from a neighbor." Parents were informed via a WhatsApp group late Monday evening, leaving them scrambling to find alternative arrangements for their children on Tuesday morning.

The kindergarten staff expressed regret in their message to parents, stating the closure was "imposed" and not related to the garden's operations. They requested 48 hours to find a new location and are reportedly in contact with Tel Aviv-Yafo municipality officials to facilitate a solution. The staff emphasized their own disappointment and excitement for the new school year, which was disrupted at the last minute.

According to police sources, the closure stems from a dispute between the property owner and a local resident. Concerns were raised that the conflict could endanger the children and staff, leading to the decision to keep the garden closed. Police confirmed an investigation is underway following complaints filed, including one on Monday evening.

The "Sulamot Garden" has been operating for 16 years and serves children of various ages. Parents, speaking anonymously, suggested the tension escalated after a family allegedly connected to criminal elements moved into the neighborhood. An earlier confrontation reportedly involved smoke being directed towards the garden while children were present, leading to a dispute between parents and the new residents. The situation reportedly worsened when the property owner allegedly received death threats, his car was set on fire, and he was warned against reopening the kindergarten.

Parents expressed frustration and fear over the situation, questioning how a kindergarten could be shut down due to threats and violence. They are demanding a thorough investigation by the police and municipality to ensure the safety of children, staff, and property owners. Some parents recounted personal confrontations and a feeling of helplessness, citing a perceived lack of law enforcement in certain areas of Jaffa. Both the police and the municipality have deferred responsibility, with the police directing inquiries about the closure to the local authority and the municipality stating the criminal nature of the issue is under police investigation.